How Parents Can Help

As your son or daughter progresses in the Herricks Instrumental Music Program, there are a number of ways in which you, as parents can assist in his/her success.  These tactics are especially helpful after the novelty of a new instrument has worn off.

At home:

-         Show an interest in the music study of your child, encourage him/her through the technical frustrations, praise your child's efforts and achievements

-         Arrange a regular time for daily practice and help him/her to maintain it

-         Provide a quiet place in which to practice

-         Provide a folding music stand for the practice area

-         Help your child with practice as much as possible

-         Help your child keep a daily record of practice

-         Provide a safe place in which to keep your child's instrument.

-         Keep the instrument in good repair, with extra strings, reeds, etc.

-         Help your child to be punctual for rehearsals and lessons

-         Make faithful attendance at all activities important

-         Encourage your child to perform for others when the opportunities         arise

-         Play recordings of master artists of your child's instrument

-         Take your child to live concerts of musical quality as often as possible (there are many wonderful local concerts, and New York is only 20 miles away)

-         Encourage your child to hear concerts, radio broadcasts, or television shows of musical quality whenever possible

At school:

-         See that your child takes his/her instrument and music on the day of lessons and rehearsals

-         Discuss with the music teacher anything which will help the teacher better understand your child